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Wider questions around Springhill riot must be considered
4 June 2013
Wider questions around Springhill riot must be considered
The Public Service Association says it will be seeking answers from the Department of Corrections to some of the questions being raised by staff, as part of the investigation into the weekend riot at Springhill Prison.
PSA representatives visited the prison yesterday to speak to members.
PSA National Secretary Richard Wagstaff says “Obviously it’s early days, but the investigation needs to be as broad as possible in order to identify any possible risk factors which may have contributed.”
“Staffing levels need to be carefully looked as they impact on the amount of prisoner lock-up time at the prison. There are also other questions around whether staff should have better access to defensive weapons or whether it would be appropriate to make more use of control dogs in prisons, for example.”
Richard Wagstaff says overall the riot was well handled in terms of its response but there are always lessons to be learned.
“Those lessons can help inform future incidents and be taken on board by other prisons around the country.”
The PSA has contacted the Corrections Department asking to be fully involved in the investigation and the analysis of the Springhill riot so that the views of staff are fully taken into account.
ENDS
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